With the cooler, dry weather comes flare-ups in many skin conditions. We see a drop in humidity levels as outdoor temperatures cool down while we turn on heaters and fireplaces with warmer temperatures inside. This combination disrupts the skin barrier leading to flare ups of existing skin conditions. Those with sensitive or dry skin types may suffer from eczema and rashes as a result. Dr. Azi goes into detail in this video on the causes, symptoms, and treatments for Eczema.
Does Eczema appear differently in children?
In children, eczema, known as Atopic Dermatitis, is seen in flexural surfaces like the skin fold of joints like where the elbow or knee bends as well as the cheeks, neck with overall skin dryness. Often times children outgrow their atopic dermatitis by the time they reach puberty. In adults eczema presents differently as hand dermatitis or contact dermatitis or we may see conditions like seborrheic dermatitis where a rash develops in the T-zone. The microbiome plays a big role in eczema which may explain the different locations and presentations in various age groups.
How is it different than just "dry skin"?
Eczema is an inflammatory process where dry skin is a trigger. They both can appear similar on the surface, but dry skin is relieved with moisturizers or environmental changes whereas eczema often requires medicated creams and treatments. In eczema there’s disruption of the skin barrier with inflammation that can cause oozing, crusting putting one at risk of secondary infections.
It’s important to practice healthy skincare habits, moisturize the skin regularly particularly in more dry climates, stay away from possible allergens like fragrance, dyes, and harsh chemicals.
What are the biggest mistakes people tend to make?
Not applying moisturizers to damp skin. The two main triggers are dry skin and skin barrier disruption so this really helps restore skin hydration and strengthen the skin barrier.
Dr. Azi’s Product Recommendations for Eczema
Soothe HC: An anti-inflammatory medicated cream with aloe vera and hydrocortisone designed to improve irritation, rashes, itchiness, and skin inflammation.
Cerave Healing Ointment: Protects and hydrates skin to help recover from cracked or extremely dry skin.
Intense Recovery Complex: Four essential Ceramide Complex restores and strengthens skin barrier function and maintains hydration. Clinically formulated to reduce inflammation and redness.
Soothe Cleanser: A sulfate-free Cleanser to gently cleanse, hydrate, and reduce irritation without over-drying it.
